When you take a good long look at the history of cigarettes in our country, you can begin to understand why the American public had been essentially tricked into believing these little sticks weren’t so harmful. After all, five major tobacco companies didn’t officially reveal a lone lineup of 599 additives until the infamous April 1994 Congressional hearings. Up until that time, only the big-name tobacco companies knew what dangerous chemicals were being infused into cigarettes, with many manufacturers promoting that certain additives add a zing or a flavor to their products. However, this message couldn’t be farther from the truth, as millions of addiction and death cases have shown us over the years. For today, let’s take a closer look at some sinister secrets you might not know about cigarettes.
The Not-So Pleasant Cigarette
Regardless of whether or not some of these products were purposefully designed by Big Tobacco to drive up the consumer network or not, medical researchers unanimously agree that these chemicals can easily destroy lives. Here is a closer look at some of the effects of these additives:
- Dilation of the respiratory airways, allowing smokers to inhale more deeply than before (cocoa is an example of an additive that triggers this effect)
- Trigger a different form of addiction
- Slowing down the metabolic process of nicotine absorption, increasing the smoker’s exposure to this addictive drug
- Containing anesthetic qualities that numb the throat, to prevent the smoker from stopping
- Covering up the nasty smell and taste of cigarettes
- Muting any red flags for illnesses or diseases caused by smoking
Some Common Additives
Now, without further ado, here is a closer look at some common additives in cigarettes:
- Ammonia: Reacts with the stimulant nicotine to produce a stronger kick, resulting in free-basing
- Menthol: A local anesthetic that eases the harshness of cigarettes
- Acetaldehyde: A chemical produced when sugars and cigarette toxins burn simultaneously
- Sheet tobacco: Leftover scrapings of tobacco plants sprayed with nicotine
Seeking Treatment for Cigarette Use
Remember that addiction can be triggered by one shot of alcohol or a single puff of a cigarette, but the true danger of this sickness is that you cannot fully determine how much you have to consume before your mind forms an attachment. Social smoking is just as dangerous as chronic smoking, on many levels, but you do not have to smoke to have a good time. Remember, drugs cannot determine if you have fun and do not have control over your life.
If you are suffering from a severe case of drug abuse or addiction, or have a friend or loved one who is coping with this illness, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process of alcohol withdrawal and detox and guide you along the rocky road of rehabilitation. Soon enough, you will experience a faster and much more efficient recovery.
If you want to find out more about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can overcome your mental illness and take an extra step toward becoming a healthier person.
